Vaccines

ABSTRACT

The invention refers to an improved vaccine against infections with pathogens, especially viral pathogens, comprising an antigen, a peptide of the formula R 1 —XZXZ N -XZX—R 2  and an immunostimulatory deoxynucleic acid containing deoxyinosine and/or deoxyuridine residues.

This application is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2004/003002 filed 22 Mar. 2004, which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 03450072.8 filed 24 Mar. 2003, European Patent Application No. 03450084.3 filed 11 Apr. 2003, and European Patent Application No. 03450171.8 filed 11 Jul. 2003. The entire text of each of the above-referenced disclosures is specifically incorporated by reference herein without disclaimer.

The present invention relates to improved vaccines, especially viral vaccines and methods of making thereof.

Host protection from invading pathogens involves cellular and humoral effectors and results from the concerted action of both non-adaptive (innate) and adaptive (acquired) immunity. The latter is based on specific immunological recognition mediated by receptors, is a recent acquisition of the immune system, and is present only in vertebrates. The former evolved before the development of adaptive immunity, consisting of a variety of cells and molecules distributed throughout the organism with the task of keeping potential pathogens under control.

B and T lymphocytes are the mediators of acquired antigen-specific adaptive immunity, including the development of immunological memory, which is the main goal of creating a successful vaccine. Antigen presenting cells (APCs) are highly specialized cells that can process antigens and display their processed fragments on the cell surface together with molecules required for lymphocyte activation. This means that APCs are very important for the initiation of specific immune reactions. The main APCs for T lymphocyte activation are dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and B cells, whereas the main APCs for B cells are follicular dendritic cells. In general DCs are the most powerful APCs in terms of initiation of immune responses stimulating quiescent naive and memory B and T lymphocytes.

The natural task of APCs in the periphery (e.g. DCs or Langerhans cells) is to capture and process antigens, thereby being activated they start to express lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecules, migrate to lymphoid organs, secrete cytokines and present antigens to different populations of lymphocytes, initiating antigen-specific immune responses. They not only activate lymphocytes, under certain circumstances, they also tolerize T cells to antigens.

Antigen recognition by T lymphocytes is major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted. A given T lymphocyte will recognize an antigen only when the peptide is bound to a particular MHC molecule. In general, T lymphocytes are stimulated only in the presence of self MHC molecules, and antigen is recognized only as peptides bound to self MHC molecules. MHC restriction defines T lymphocyte specificity in terms of the antigen recognized and in terms of the MHC molecule that binds its peptide fragment.

Intracellular and extracellular antigens present quite different challenges to the immune system, both in terms of recognition and of appropriate response. Presentation of antigens to T cells is mediated by two distinct classes of molecules ^(˜)MHC class I (MHC-I) and MHC class II (MHC-II), which utilize distinct antigen processing pathways. Mainly one could distinguish between two major antigen processing pathways that have evolved. Peptides derived from intracellular antigens are presented to CD8⁺ T cells by MHC class I molecules, which are expressed on virtually all cells, while extracellular antigen-derived peptides are presented to CD4⁺ T cells by MHC-II molecules. However, there are certain exceptions to this dichotomy. Several studies have shown that peptides generated from endocytosed particulate or soluble proteins are presented on MHC-I molecules in macrophages as well as in dendritic cells. Therefore APCs like dendritic cells sitting in the periphery, exerting high potency to capture and process extracellular antigens and presenting them on MHC-I molecules to T lymphocytes are interesting targets in pulsing them extracellularly with antigens in vitro and in vivo.

The important and unique role of APCs, including stimulating activity on different types of leukocytes, is reflecting their central position as targets for appropriate strategies in developing successful vaccines. Theoretically one way to do so is to enhance or stimulate their natural task, the uptake of antigen(s). Once pulsed with the appropriate antigens the vaccine is directed against, APCs should start to process the uptaken antigen(s), thereby being activated, expressing lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecules, migrating to lymphoid organs, secreting cytokines and presenting antigens to different populations of lymphocytes thereby initiating immune responses.

Activated T cells generally secrete a number of effector cytokines in a highly regulated fashion, e.g. interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and interferon-gamma (IFN-g). The functional detection of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses to specific antigens (e.g. tumor antigens, in general antigens administered in a vaccine) is commonly monitored by an ELISpot assay (enzyme-linked immunospot assay), a technique analyzing cytokine production at the single cell level. In the present invention an ELISpot assay for the cellular immunity (type 1 immune response) promoting cytokine IFN-g is used to monitor successful antigen-specific T cell activation. Furthermore, the cytokine IL-4 is determined as an indicator for a type 2 response, usually involved in promoting strong humoral responses. In addition, the humoral immune response was determined by ELISA (IgG1 as indicator for a type 2 response, IgG2b as indicator for a type 1 response).

It has previously been shown that polycations efficiently enhance the uptake of MHC class I-matched peptides into tumor cells, a peptide or protein pulsing process which was called “TRANSloading”. Furthermore, it has been shown that polycations are able to “TRANSload” peptides or proteins into antigen presenting cells in vivo as well as in vitro. In addition, co-injection of a mixture of poly-L-arginine or poly-L-lysine together with an appropriate peptide as a vaccine protects animals from tumor growth in mouse models. This chemically defined vaccine is able to induce a high number of antigen/peptide-specific T cells. That was shown to be at least partly attributable to an enhanced uptake of peptides into APCs mediated by the polycation indicating that APCs when pulsed in vivo with antigens can induce T cell-mediated immunity to the administered antigen.

As opposed to adaptive immunity, which is characterized by a highly specific but relatively slow response, innate immunity is based on effector mechanisms that are triggered by differences in the structure of microbial components relative to the host. These mechanisms can mount a fairly rapid initial response, which mainly leads to neutralization of the noxious agents. Reactions of innate immunity are the only defence strategy of lower phyla and have been retained in vertebrates as a first line host defence before the adaptive immune system is mobilized.

In higher vertebrates the effector cells of innate immunity are neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells and probably also dendritic cells, whereas the humoral components in this pathway are the complement cascade and a variety of different binding proteins.

A rapid and effective component of innate immunity is the production of a large variety of microbicidal peptides with a length of usually between about 12 and about one hundred amino acid residues. Several hundred different antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from a variety of organisms, ranging from sponges, insects to animals and humans, which points to a wide-spread distribution of these molecules. Antimicrobial peptides are also produced by bacteria as antagonistic substances against competing organisms.

Two major subsets of CD4⁺ T cells (T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2)) have been identified in mouse and human, based on their secretion of different cytokine profiles and their different effector functions. Th1 cells are mainly involved in the generation of so called type 1 immune responses, which are typically characterized by the induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, cell-mediated immunity, immunoglobulin class switching to IgG2a/IgG2b and secretion of i.a. Interferon-gamma. In contrast, Th2 cells are involved in the generation of so called type 2 responses, which are characterized by the induction of humoral immunity by activating B cells, leading to antibody production including class switching to IgG₁ and IgE. Type 2 responses are also characterized by the secretion of the following cytokines: IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10.

In most situations, the type of response induced (type 1 or type 2) has a significant impact on the protective efficacy of a vaccine. Alternative adjuvants tend to favour specific types of responses. However, adjuvant selection is complicated by functional unpredictabilities and also by commercial constraints and availability.

Infections with Influenza virus belong to the most important and frequent infections and has a significant mortality rate, especially for older people or people with deficiencies in the immune system. Currently, there are a number of Influenza vaccines on the market; however, not all vaccinations lead to protectivity against Influenza infections. Therefore, a need to improve current Influenza vaccines exists in order to enlarge the protection efficacy.

Moreover, since most of the current vaccines are almost exclusively eliciting type 2 responses, also a need exists to provide improved vaccines which show a type 1 directed immune response or vaccines which allow—in addition to a type 2 response—also a significant type immune reaction. Moreover, vaccines already available should be provided in an improved form which allows the induction of a type 1 response.

Therefore, the present invention provides an improved vaccine against (viral) infections comprising an antigen, a peptide of the formula R₁—XZXZ_(N)XZX—R₂ (SEQ ID NOS:1-5) and an immunostimulatory deoxynucleic acid containing deoxyinosine and/or deoxyuridine residues.

According to the experiments performed in course of the present invention, the combination of these two types of Immunizers has shown a synergistical effect with respect to antigens. This was specifically shown with respect to common Influenza antigens (especially haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) and Hepatitis virus antigens. This synergistic effect especially for viral antigens was not derivable from the known properties of these substance classes. Although each of these two substance classes is known to have excellent immunostimulating properties (WO 02/32451, WO 01/93905 and PCT/EP02/05448), the combined effect for viral pathogens, especially for Influenza and Hepatitis virus antigens, was significantly better than could be expected from the mere addition of these single efficacies.

With the present invention it is also possible to significantly improve viral vaccines, especially Influenza or Hepatitis A, B or C vaccines, being already available or on the market simply by additionally providing the combination of the two types of Immunizers according to the present invention.

The present invention therefore provides a vaccine for preventing viral infections comprising

-   -   an antigen, especially a viral antigen,     -   a peptide comprising a sequence R₁—XZXZ_(N)XZX—R₂, (SEQ ID         NOS:1-5, wherein: xzxzzzxzx=SEQ ID NO:1; xzxzzzzxzx=SEQ ID NO:2;         xzxzzzzzxzx=SEQ ID NO:3; xzxzzzzzzxzx=SEQ ID NO:4;         xzxzzzzzzzxzx=SEQ ID NO:5) whereby N is a whole number between 3         and 7, preferably 5, X is a positively charged natural and/or         non-natural amino acid residue, Z is an amino acid residue         selected from the group consisting of L, V, I, F and/or W, and         R₁ and R₂ are selected independently one from the other from the         group consisting of —H, —NH₂, —COCH₃, —COH, a peptide with up to         20 amino acid residues or a peptide reactive group or a peptide         linker with or without a peptide; X—R₂ may be an amide, ester or         thioester of the C-terminal amino acid residue of the peptide         (in the following also referred to as “Peptide A”) and     -   an immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleic acid molecule (ODN)         having the structure according to the formula (I)         wherein         R1 is selected from hypoxanthine and uracile,         any X is O or S,         any NMP is a 2′ deoxynucleoside monophosphate or         monothiophosphate, selected from the group consisting of         deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-,         deoxyuridine-,         deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-,         5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-,         deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-,         6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or         N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine-monophosphate or         -monothiophosphate,         NUC is a 2′ deoxynucleoside, selected from the group consisting         of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-,         deoxycytosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxythymidine-,         2-methyl-deoxyuridine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-,         deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-,         2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-,         6-S-deoxyguanine-2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or         N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine,         a and b are integers from 0 to 100 with the proviso that a+b is         between 4 and 150, and         B and E are common groups for 5′ or 3′ ends of nucleic acid         molecules (in the following also referred to as “I-/U-ODN”).

Of course, the present vaccine may further contain other substances, e.g. suitable pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carrier, buffer or stabilising substances, etc.

The vaccine according to the present invention may further contain additional adjuvants, especially an Al(OH)₃ adjuvant (Alum).

Alum, as meant herein includes all forms of Al³⁺ based adjuvants used in human and animal medicine and research. Especially, it includes all forms of aluminum hydroxide as defined in Römpp, 10th Ed. pages 139/140, gel forms thereof, aluminum phosphate, etc.

This is especially preferred for vaccines which are already on the market and contain such Al(OH)₃ adjuvants. In such a case, the combination of Immunizers according to the present invention may simply be added to such an existing vaccine.

The present antigen is preferably a viral antigen. If pronounced (or exclusive) Th1 type 1 responses should be specifically necessary, T cell epitopes (see introduction above) are preferred as antigens. Preferably the antigen is a viral antigen. In the example section the present invention is proven in principle and specifically effective with influenza and hepatitis viral antigens, namely with the hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antigens which are preferred antigens according to the present invention.

Of course, the pharmaceutical preparation may also comprise two or more antigens depending on the desired immune response. The antigen(s) may also be modified so as to further enhance the immune response.

Proteins or peptides derived from viral or bacterial pathogens, from fungi or parasites, as well as tumor antigens (cancer vaccines) or antigens with a putative role in autoimmune disease may be used as antigens (including derivatized antigens like glycosylated, lipidated, glycolipidated or hydroxylated antigens). Furthermore, carbohydrates, lipids or glycolipids may be used as antigens themselves. The derivatization process may include the purification of a specific protein or peptide from the pathogen, the inactivation of the pathogen as well as the proteolytic or chemical derivatization or stabilization of such a protein or peptide. Alternatively, also the pathogen itself may be used as an antigen. The antigens are preferably peptides or proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, glycolipids or mixtures thereof.

According to a preferred embodiment T cell epitopes are used as antigens. Alternatively, a combination of T cell epitopes and B cell epitopes may also be preferred.

Also mixtures of different antigens are of course possible to be used according to the present invention. Preferably, proteins or peptides isolated from a viral or a bacterial pathogen or from fungi or parasites (or their recombinant counterparts) are used as such antigens (including derivatized antigens or glycosylated or lipidated antigens or polysaccharides or lipids). Another preferred source of antigens are tumor antigens. Preferred pathogens are selected from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis A and B viruses, hepatitis C virus (HCV) or other Flaviviridae, such as Japanese encephalitis virus (JCV), rous sarcoma virus (RSV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) Influenza virus, human papilloma virus (HPV), Rotavirus, Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamydia pneumonias, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumonias, Bacillus anthracis, Vibrio cholerae, Plasmodium sp. (Pl. falciparum, Pl. vivax, etc.), Aspergillus sp. or Candida albicans.

In the case of peptide antigens the use of peptide mimotopes/agonists/superagonists/antagonists or peptides changed in certain positions without affecting the immunologic properties or non-peptide mimotopes/agonists/superagonists/antagonists is included in the current invention. Peptide antigens may also contain elongations either at the carboxy or at the amino terminus of the peptide antigen facilitating interaction with the polycationic compound(s) or the immunostimulatory compound(s).

Antigens may also be derivatized to include molecules enhancing antigen presentation and targeting of antigens to antigen presenting cells.

The Influenza or Hepatitis antigen to be used according to the present invention is not generally restricted to a specific form, it seems that the effect according to the present invention is even further pathogen-specifically enhanced for Influenza, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, but not specific for a certain type of antigen from this Influenza or HBV pathogen. However, it is preferred to use the standard Influenza or HBV antigens also in the present vaccines, i.e. a haemagglutinin antigen, a neuraminidase antigen, a combined antigen or a combination of one or more of these antigens.

Preferably, proteins or peptides isolated from an Influenza virus, HBV or HCV source (e.g. a cell culture) or their recombinant counterparts are used as such antigens, including derivatized antigens.

The vaccine according to the present invention preferably further (or, specifically in the case of Influenza, HCV or HBV, even instead of the Peptide A) contains a polycationic peptide.

The polycationic peptides or compound to be used according to the present invention may be any polycationic compound which shows the characteristic effect according to the WO 97/30721. Preferred polycationic compounds are selected from basic polypeptides, organic polycations, basic polyaminoacids or mixtures thereof. These polyaminoacids should have a chain length of at least 4 amino acid residues. Especially preferred are substances containing peptidic bounds, like polylysine, polyarginine and polypeptides containing more than 20%, especially more than 50% of basic amino acids in a range of more than 8, especially more than 20, amino acid residues or mixtures thereof. Other preferred polycations and their pharmaceutical compositions are described in WO 97/30721 (e.g. polyethyleneimine) and WO 99/38528. Preferably these polypeptides contain between 20 and 500 amino acid residues, especially between 30 and 200 residues.

These polycationic compounds may be produced chemically or recombinantly or may be derived from natural sources.

Cationic (poly)peptides may also be polycationic anti-bacterial microbial peptides. These (poly)peptides may be of prokaryotic or eukaryotic origin or may be produced chemically or recombinantly. Peptides may also belong to the class naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. Such host defense peptides or defensives are also a preferred form of the polycationic polymer according to the present invention. Generally, a compound allowing as an end product activation (or down-regulation) of the adaptive immune system, preferably mediated by APCs (including dendritic cells) is used as polycationic polymer.

Furthermore, also neuroactive compounds, such as (human) growth hormone (as described e.g. in WO01/24822) may be used as immunostimulants (Immunizers).

Polycationic compounds derived from natural sources include HIV-REV or HIV-TAT (derived cationic peptides, antennapedia peptides, chitosan or other derivatives of chitin) or other peptides derived from these peptides or proteins by biochemical or recombinant production. Other preferred polycationic compounds are cathelin or related or derived substances from cathelicidin, especially mouse, bovine or especially human cathelicidins and/or cathelicidins. Related or derived cathelicidin substances contain the whole or parts of the cathelicidin sequence with at least 15-20 amino acid residues. Derivations may include the substitution or modification of the natural amino acids by amino acids which are not among the 20 standard amino acids. Moreover, further cationic residues may be introduced into such cathelicidin molecules. These cathelicidin molecules are preferred to be combined with the antigen/vaccine composition according to the present invention. However, these cathelin molecules surprisingly have turned out to be also effective as an adjuvant for a antigen without the addition of further adjuvants. It is therefore possible to use such cathelicidin molecules as efficient adjuvants in vaccine formulations with or without further immunoactivating substances.

The vaccine according to the present invention preferably contains as Peptide A KLKL₅KLK (SEQ ID NO:6, which can also be written as KLKLLLLLKLK) and as I-/U-ODN oligo d(IC)₁₃ (The combination of Peptide A and Oligo-d(IC)₁₃ is also referred as IC31). These two substances have shown specifically advantageous results in the experiments according to the present invention.

The vaccine according to the present invention may further (or, specifically in the case of Influenza, HCV or HBV, even instead of the U-/I-ODN) contain an oligodeoxynucleotide containing a CpG-motif as immunomodulating nucleic acids. The immunomodulating nucleic acids to be used according to the present invention can be of synthetic, prokaryotic and eukaryotic origin. In the case of eukaryotic origin, DNA should be derived from, based on the phylogenetic tree, less developed species (e.g. insects, but also others). In a preferred embodiment of the invention the immunogenic oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) is a synthetically produced DNA-molecule or mixtures of such molecules. Derivates or modifications of ODNs such as thiophosphate substituted analogues (thiophosphate residues substitute for phosphate) as for example described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,335 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,153, and other derivatives and modifications, which preferably stabilize the immunostimulatory composition(s) but do not change their immunological properties, are also included. A preferred sequence motif is a six base DNA motif containing an (unmethylated) CpG dinucleotide flanked by two 5′ purines and two 3′ pyrimidines (5′-Pur-Pur-C-G-Pyr-Pyr-3′). The CpG motifs contained in the ODNs according to the present invention are more common in microbial than higher vertebrate DNA and display differences in the pattern of methylation. Surprisingly, sequences stimulating mouse APCs are not very efficient for human cells. Preferred palindromic or non-palindromic ODNs to be used according to the present invention are disclosed e.g. in Austrian Patent applications A 1973/2000, A 805/2001, EP 0 468 520 A2, WO 96/02555, WO 98/16247, WO 98/18810, WO 98/37919, WO 98/40100, WO 98/52581, WO 98/52962, WO 99/51259 and WO 99/56755 all incorporated herein by reference. ODNs/DNAs may be produced chemically or recombinantly or may be derived from natural sources. Preferred natural sources are insects.

The vaccine according to the present invention may preferably contain a polycationic peptide and an oligodeoxynucleotide containing a CpG-motif in combination. In the course of the present invention it has even turned out that the combination of CpG-ODN and polycationic peptide shows improvement effects in Influenza vaccine compositions, which are comparable to the effects of the combination of Peptide A and I-/U-ODNs and cannot only be combined with Peptide A and I-/U-ODNs but even be used instead of them. Of course, also mixtures of different immunostimulatory nucleic acids (I-/U-ODNs, CpG-ODNs, . . . ) and Peptide A variants (as well as other Immunizers) may be used according to the present invention.

According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to the use of a combination of Peptide A and a I-/U-ODN, both as defined according to the present invention, to improve the protective efficacy of a vaccine against a viral pathogen, especially influenza virus, HCV or HBV, HIV, HPV or JEV. Specifically, the antigen-specific type 1 response, especially IgG2-antibody response or IFN-gamma response, of a vaccine against a viral pathogen, especially influenza virus, HCV or HBV, HIV, HPV or JEV, can be improved and at the same time the type 2 response, especially IgG1-antibody response or interleukin 4 (IL 4) response, of said vaccine can be preserved or preferably also increased.

It has been shown previously (WO 02/13857) that naturally occurring, cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptides or derivatives thereof have an immune response stimulating activity and therefore constitute highly effective type 1 inducing adjuvants (Immunizers). Main sources of antimicrobial peptides are granules of neutrophils and epithelial cells lining the respiratory, gastro-intestinal and genitourinary tracts. In general they are found at those anatomical sites most exposed to microbial invasion, are secreted into internal body fluids or stored in cytoplasmic granules of professional phagocytes (neutrophils).

In the WO 02/32451 a type 1 inducing adjuvant (Immunizer) that is able to strongly enhance the immune response to a specific co-administered antigen and therefore constitutes a highly effective adjuvant is disclosed, Peptide A comprising a sequence R₁-XZXZ_(N)XZX—R₂. (SEQ ID NOS:1-5) A specifically preferred peptide is KLKLLLLLKLK (SEQ ID NO:6). Besides naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, synthetic antimicrobial peptides have been produced and investigated. The synthetic antimicrobial peptide KLKLLLLLKLK—NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:6) was shown to have significant chemotherapeutic activity in Staphylococcus aureus-infected mice; human neutrophils were activated to produce the superoxide anion (O₂ ⁻) via cell surface calreticulin. The exact number and position of K and L was found to be critical for the antimicrobial activity of the synthetic peptide (Nakajima, Y. (1997); Cho, J-H. (1999)).

The present invention is especially beneficial if the combined medicament is administered, e.g. subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intradermally or transdermally. However, other application forms, such as parenteral, intravenously, intranasally, oral or topical application, are also suitable for the present invention.

The Influenza antigen may be mixed with the adjuvant (Immunizer) (composition) according to the present invention or otherwise specifically formulated e.g. as liposome, retard formulation, etc.

The vaccines according to the present invention may be administered to an individual in effective amounts known to the skilled man in the art of Influenza vaccination. Optimization of antigen amount and Immunizer amount can be started from established amounts and using available methods.

The invention will be described in more detail by the following examples and figures, but the invention is of course not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 shows that cationic peptides co-injected with different ODNs synergistically induce strong type 1 humoral responses (IgG2b) against a commercially available Influenza-vaccine;

FIG. 2 shows that KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ strongly improves the efficacy of a commercially available Influenza vaccine;

FIG. 3 shows that single injection of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ synergistically induces strong cellular type 1 and humoral type 1 and 2 responses against a commercially available Influenza vaccine

FIG. 4 shows that single injection of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ strongly improves the efficacy of a commercially available Influenza vaccine

FIG. 5 shows that vaccination with ncORF derived peptides from influenza A virus in combination with KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ induces potent IFN-γ producing T cells and protection against viral challenge

FIG. 6 shows that KLK/O-d(IC)₁₃ induces HCV-peptide specific type 1 cellular immune responses

FIG. 7 shows that cationic peptides co-injected with different ODNs induce a HBsAg-specific cellular type 1 response (IFN-γ production) while the HBsAg-induced type 2 response (IL-4 production) is not affected or decreased.

FIG. 8 a shows the results of a single injection of the combination of the cationic antimicrobial peptide KLK with the synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)13 (ODN1a) and low amounts of a commercially available influenza vaccine (Agrippal S1) synergistically induces strong vaccine specific cellular type I immune responses

FIG. 8 b shows the results of a single injection of the combination of the cationic antimicrobial peptide KLK with the synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)13 (ODN1a) and a low amounts of a commercially available influenza vaccine (Agrippal S1) synergistically induces strong mixed type 1/type 2 humoral immune responses

FIG. 9 a: shows the results of a single injection of low dose of the combination of the cationic antimicrobial peptide KLK with the synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)13 (ODN1a) synergistically induces strong cellular type immune responses against a commercially available influenza vaccine (Agrippal S1)

FIG. 9 b: shows the results of a single injection of low dose of the combination of the cationic antimicrobial peptide KLK with the synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)13 (ODN1a) and a low amounts of a commercially available influenza vaccine (Agrippal S1) synergistically induces strong mixed type 1/type 2 humoral immune responses

FIG. 10 shows the results of a single injection of of a commercially available influenza vaccine (Agrippal S1) combined with the cationic antimicrobial peptide KLK and the synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)13 (ODN1a) compared to other adjuvants

EXAMPLES Example 1

Cationic Peptides (pR or KLK) Co-Injected with Different Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) (CpI, ntCpI, o-d(IC)₁₃) Synergistically Induce Strong Type 1 Humoral Responses (IgG2b) Against a Commercially Available Influenza-Vaccine (Fluvirin)

-   Mice C57BL/6 (Harlan/Olac) -   Influenza vaccine Fluvirin (Evans vaccine); inactivated Influenza     virus surface antigens (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) purified     of strains:     -   A/NewCaledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain         -   (15 μg haemagglutinin)     -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain         -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR-17)         -   (15 μg haemagglutinin)     -   B/Sichuan/379/99-like strain         -   (15 μg haemagglutinin)     -   dose: 1 μg total protein/mouse -   Al(OH)₃ Alhydrogel; Biosys, Denmark     -   dose: 1:1 mixture with antigen -   pR Poly-L-Arginine with an average degree of polymerization of 43     arginine residues (determined by MALLS); Sigma Aldrich Inc     -   dose: 100 μg/mouse -   KLK KLKLLLLLKLK-COOH (SEQ ID NO:6) was synthesized by MPS (Multiple     Peptide System, USA)     -   dose: 168 μg/mouse -   oligo-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a) ODN 5′ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC IC3′     (SEQ ID NO:7) was synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids Technology,     Göttingen     -   dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   I-ODN 2 thiophosphate substituted ODNs containing deoxyinosine: tcc     atg aci ttc ctg atg ct (SEQ ID NO:19), were synthesized by Purimex     Nucleic Acids Technology, Göttingen     -   dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   I-ODN 2b ODNs containing deoxyinosine: tcc atg aci ttc ctg atg ct     (SEQ ID NO:19), were synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids     Technology, Göttingen     -   dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   formulation 5 mM Tris/270 mM Sorbitol, pH 7 -   experimental group (12 mice/group):     -   1.: naïve     -   2.: Flu vaccine     -   3.: Flu vaccine+pR     -   4.: Flu vaccine+KLK     -   5.: Flu vaccine+Al(OH)₃     -   6.: Flu vaccine+o-d(IC)₁₃     -   7.: Flu vaccine+I-ODN 2     -   8.: Flu vaccine+I-ODN 2b     -   9.: Flu vaccine+pR+I-ODN 2     -   10.: Flu vaccine+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃     -   11.: Flu vaccine+KLK+I-ODN 2     -   12.: Flu vaccine+KLK+I-ODN 2b

On days 0, 28 and 56 C57BL/6 mice were injected s.c. into both hind footpads with a total volume of 100 μl/mouse (50 μl/footpad) containing the above listed compounds. Serum was collected at days 26, 54 and 82 and analyzed for Influenza vaccine-specific IgG1 and IgG2b antibodies by ELISA. Titers correspond to that dilution of serum resulting in half maximal OD_(405nm).

FIG. 1 indicates that the combined injection of cationic peptides (pR or KLK) and different ODNs (I-ODN 2, I-ODN 2b, or o-d(IC)₁₃) induces very potent antigen (Influenza vaccine)-specific humoral type 1 responses (IgG2b) in a synergistic way. Upon injection of Influenza vaccine alone or in combination with Al(OH)₃, cationic peptides (pR, KLK) only or different ODNs (except I-ODN 2) only, no specific IgG2b response is detectable. Booster vaccinations strongly increase the observed response.

Co-injection of Influenza vaccine with Al(OH)₃, KLK or combinations pR/I-ODN 2, KLK/I-ODN 2, KLK/I-ODN 2b or KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ induces the production of Influenza vaccine-specific IgG1 (type 2 response).

Example 2

The Combination KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ Strongly Improves the Efficacy of a Commercially Available Influenza-Vaccine (Fluvirin)

-   Mice BALB/c (Harlan/Olac) -   Influenza vaccine Fluvirin (Evans vaccine); inactivated Influenza     virus surface antigens (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) purified     of strains:     -   A/NewCaledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain         -   (15 μg haemagglutinin)     -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain         -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR-17)         -   (15 μg haemagglutinin)     -   B/Sichuan/379/99-like strain         -   (15 μg haemagglutinin)     -   dose: 1 μg total protein/mouse (=low dose/literature: 10         μg/mouse) -   Al(OH)₃ Alhydrogel; Biosys, Denmark     -   dose: 1:1 mixture with antigen -   KLK KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH (SEQ ID NO:6) was synthesized by MPS (Multiple     Peptide System, USA)     -   dose: 168 μg/mouse -   oligo-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a) ODN 5′ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC IC3′     (SEQ ID NO:7) was synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids Technology,     Göttingen     -   dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   formulation 5 mM Tris/270 mM Sorbitol, pH 7 -   Experimental group (12 mice/group):     -   1. naïve     -   2. Flu vaccine     -   3. Flu vaccine+Al(OH)₃     -   4. Flu vaccine+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃

On days 0, 28 and 56 BALB/c mice were injected s.c. into both hind footpads with a total volume of 100 μl/mouse (50 μl/footpad) containing the above listed compounds. Serum was collected at days 26, 54 and 82 and analyzed for neutralizing anti-haemagglutinin antibodies by using a standard haemagglutination inhibition assay. Briefly, the presence of haemagglutinin on the virus surface induces haemagglutination of erythrocytes, which can be inhibited by neutralizing anti-haemagglutinin antibodies. Titers of antibodies against haemagglutinin of the different viral strains (A1=A/NewCaledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain; A2=A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR-17; B=B/Sichuan/379/99-like strain) were determined. Titer of serum corresponds to end point dilution showing inhibition.

In contrast to injection of Influenza vaccine alone or in combination with Al(OH)₃ the co-injection of Influenza vaccine plus KLK and o-d(IC)₁₃ induces high levels of neutralizing antibodies against all three tested haemagglutinins (FIG. 2). Since effectiveness of an Influenza vaccine has been shown to correlate with serum titers of anti-haemagglutinin antibodies the obtained results indicate a high potential of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ for the induction of protection against Influenza.

Example 3

Single Injection of the Combination of the Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide KLK and the Synthetic Oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)₁₃ Synergistically Induces Strong Cellular Type 1 and Humoral Type 1/type 2 Immune Responses Against a Commercially Available Influenza Vaccine (Agrippal S1)

Materials

-   Mice BALB/c (Harlan-Winkelmann, Germany) -   Influenza vaccines Agrippal S1 (Chiron SpA, Italy; season     2002/2003); inactivated purified influenza virus antigens     (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) from strains:     -   A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain         -   (A/New Caledonia/20/99 IVR-116)     -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain         -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR 17)     -   B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like strain         -   (B/Shangdong/7/97)     -   Total antigen content: 45 μg (15 μg for each antigen); Lot         #4307; expiry date 05/2003     -   Dose: 1 μg total protein/mouse     -   Fluad (Chiron SpA, Italy; season 2002/2003); inactivated         purified influenza virus antigens (hemagglutinin and         neuraminidase) from strains:     -   A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain         -   (A/New Caledonia/20/99 IVR-116)     -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain         -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR 17)         -   (B/Shangdong/7/97)     -   Total antigen content: 45 μg (15 μg for each antigen); Addition         of MF59C.1 as adjuvant     -   Lot #3403; expiry date 05/2003     -   Dose: 1 μg total protein/mouse -   o-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a) ODN 5′ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC IC3′ (SEQ     ID NO:7) -    synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids Technology, Göttingen     -   Dose: 0.4 nmol/mouse -   KLK KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH (SEQ ID NO:6) synthesized by MPS (Multiple     Peptide System, USA)     -   Dose: 10 nmol/mouse -   Formulation 10 mM Tris/135 mM NaCl; pH ˜7 -   Experimental setup (10 mice/group)     -   1. naïve     -   2. Agrippal S1     -   3. Fluad     -   4. Agrippal S1+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃

On day 0 BALB/c mice were injected intramuscularly into both hind femoral muscles with a total amount of 100 μl vaccine/mouse (50 μl/muscle) containing the above listed compounds. On day 21, serum was collected and analyzed for influenza vaccine-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies by ELISA. Titers correspond to the dilution of serum resulting in half maximal OD405_(nm). Furthermore, spleens of each experimental group were pooled and single cell suspensions were prepared. An aliquot of splenocytes was separated into CD4⁺ T cells by magnetic sorting (CD4 MACS sort, Miltenyi). Either unseparated splenocytes or separated CD4⁺ T cells in combination with irradiated antigen-presenting cells (APC; derived from naïve mice) were stimulated in 96-well ELIspot plates in order to enumerate the number of Agrippal S1 antigen-specific cytokine-producing cells for each experimental group. The production of following cytokines was analyzed:

-   -   IFN-γ (as an indicator for a cellular type 1 response),     -   IL-4 and IL-5 (as indicators for a cellular type 2 response)         Results (FIG. 3 a)

Injection of low amounts of influenza vaccines Agrippal S1 (non-adjuvanted) and Fluad (MF59 adjuvanted) alone are not able to induce vaccine (Agrippal S1)-specific IFN-γ by CD4⁺ T cells, whereas upon injection of Agrippal S1 in combination with KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ a strong vaccine (Agrippal S1)-specific IFN-γ production by CD4⁺ T cells is observed. Compared to naïve mice, Agrippal S1 alone only slightly induces the production of IL-4 by CD4⁺ T cells and the addition of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ to the vaccine shows no further increase. However, Fluad is a potent inducer of IL-4 production by CD4⁺ T cells and IL-5 production by unseparated splenocytes. IL-5 is only detectable at very low levels upon injection of Agrippal S1 alone, but not in combination with KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃. Upon restimulation of unseparated splenocytes similar results are obtained

Results (FIG. 3 b)

FIG. 3 b shows that the injection of the adjuvanted influenza vaccine Fluad alone induces a strong vaccine (Agrippal S1)-specific humoral type 2 response (IgG1), but only a weak type 1 response (IgG2a). However, the combined injection of the non-adjuvanted influenza vaccine with KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ induces very potent vaccine (Agrippal S1)-specific IgG2a (humoral type 1 immune response) and higher levels of IgG1 than Agrippal S1 alone. Since protection against influenza is correlated with the presence of vaccine antigen-specific IgG2a antibodies, the obtained results indicate a high potential of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ as a potent adjuvant for influenza vaccines.

Example 4

The Combination KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ Strongly Improves the Efficacy of a Commercially Available Influenza Vaccine (Agrippal S1) upon Single Injection

Materials

-   Mice BALB/c (Harlan-Winkelmann, Germany) -   Influenza vaccines Agrippal S1 (Chiron SpA, Italy; season     2002/2003); inactivated influenza virus antigens (hemagglutinin and     neuraminidase) purified of strains:     -   A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain         -   (A/New Caledonia/20/99 IVR-116)     -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain         -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR 17)     -   B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like strain         -   (B/Shangdong/7/97)     -   Total antigen content: 45 μg (15 μg for each antigen); Lot         #4307; expiry date 05/2003     -   Dose: 1 μg total protein/mouse     -   Fluad (Chiron SpA, Italy; season 2002/2003); inactivated         influenza virus antigens (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase)         purified of strains:     -   A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain         -   (A/New Caledonia/20/99 IVR-116)     -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain         -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR 17)         -   (B/Shangdong/7/97)     -   Total antigen content: 45 μg (15 μg for each antigen); Addition         of MF59C.1 as adjuvant     -   Lot #3403; expiry date 05/2003     -   Dose: 1 μg total protein/mouse -   o-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a) ODN 5′ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC IC3′ (SEQ     ID NO:7) -    was synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids Technology, Göttingen     -   Dose: 0.5 nmol/mouse -   KLK KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH (SEQ ID NO:6) -    was synthesized by MPS (Multiple Peptide System, USA)     -   Dose: 10 nmol/mouse -   Formulation 10 mM Tris/270 mM Sorbit; pH ˜7 -   Experimental setup (10 mice/group)     -   1. naïve     -   2. Agrippal S1     -   3. Fluad     -   4. Agrippal S1+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃

On day 0 BALB/c mice were injected intramuscularly into both hind femoral muscles with a total amount of 100 μl vaccine/mouse (50 μl/muscle) containing the above listed compounds. On day 21, serum was collected and analyzed for neutralizing anti-hemagglutinin antibodies by the use of a standard hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay for human sera. Titers of antibodies against hemagglutinin derived from different viral strains of both influenza vaccines Aggripal S1 and Fluad (see Materials) were determined.

Results (FIG. 4)

In contrast to injection of Agrippal S1 alone, the co-injection of the influenza vaccine with low amounts of KLK/o-d(IC)13 induces strongly increased levels of neutralizing antibodies against the two influenza A strains tested (A/New Caledonia/20/99; A/Panama/2007/99). However, immunization with Fluad induces the same levels of neutralizing antibodies as co-injection of Agrippal S1 with low amounts of KLK/o-d(IC)13. Since effectiveness of an influenza vaccine has been shown to correlate with serum titers of anti-hemagglutinin antibodies the present results indicate a high potential of KLK/o-d(IC)13 as an adjuvant for the induction of protection against influenza.

Example 5

Vaccination of Mice with ncORF Derived Peptides from Influenza A Virus in Combination with KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃. Specific T-Cell Response is Measured 7 Days after Vaccination, and Animals are Subsequently Challenged with a Lethal Dose of Mouse Adapted Influenza A Virus (x31). Survival is Monitored for 15 Days.

-   Materials -   Mice C57Bl/6 (Harlan-Winkelmann, Germany) -   Peptides p82 (GLCTLVAML) (SEQ ID NO:8) -    Control peptide derived from EBV; HLA-A*0201; AA start 280 -    p1574 (IASNENMETM) (SEQ ID NO:9) -    Control peptide derived from Influenza nucleoprotein, AA start 365 -    p1569 (TMLYNKMEF) (SEQ ID NO:10) -    Flu ncORF derived peptide from segment 1, frame 1, ORF 1, AA start     569 -    p1600 (SSIAAQDAL) (SEQ ID NO:11) -    Flu ncORF derived peptide from segment 3, frame 6, ORF 2, AA start     83 -    P1664 (VTILNLALL) (SEQ ID NO:12) -    Flu ncORF derived peptide from segment 4, frame 5, ORF 6, AA start     9     -   Dose: 100 μg/peptide/mouse -   o-d(IC)₁₃ ODN 5′ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC -   (=ODN1a) IC3′ (SEQ ID NO:7) -    was synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids Technology, Göttingen     -   Dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   KLK KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH (SEQ ID NO:6) -    was synthesized by MPS (Multiple Peptide System, USA)     -   Dose: 127 nmol/mouse -   Formulation 270 mM Sorbit/10 mM Hepes -   Influenza A x31, mouse adapted influenza A virus, -   virus rec. virus derived from A/Pr/8/34 (seg 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8) and     A/Aichi/2/68 (seg 4, 6) -   Experimental setup (15 mice/group)     -   1. p1574+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃     -   2. p1569+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃     -   3. p1600+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃     -   4. p1664+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃     -   5. p1600+p1569+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃

On day 0 mice were injected s.c into both hind footpads with a total amount of 100 μl vaccine/mouse (50 μl/foot) containing the above listed compounds. On day 7, unseparated splenocytes from 5 mice were stimulated in 96-well ELIspot plates in order to enumerate the number of peptide-specific IFN-γ producing cells for each experimental group.

Remaining 10 mice were challenged with mouse adapted x31 influenza A virus (5* 10E5 pfu). Survival was monitored for 15 days.

Results ELIspot (FIG. 5 a)

Spleen cells of groups 1 and 3 (peptides p1574 and p1600) do not show any specific spots after restimulation with the respective peptides. Groups 2 and 4 (p1569 and p1664) specifically release IFN-γ after restimulation. Group 5 was vaccinated with two individual peptides (not as a mix, p1600 and p1569). Upon restimulation with either the mix of both peptides or p1569, specific cytokine release is detected. In contrast, upon restimulation with p1600 alone, no IFN-γ spots are detectable. This is consistent with group 3 (p1600 alone).

Results Challenge (FIG. 5 b)

FIG. 5 b shows the survival rate of challenged mice with a lethal dose of mice adapted influenza A virus x31. Group 1 (p1574, reported protective epitope for H2-Db) protects 30% of all challenged mice. Peptide p1569 does not at all provide protection (0%). In contrast, peptides p1600 and p1664 do protect 50% and 62% of challenged animals, respectively. When animals are vaccinated with two different peptides (group 5, peptides p1600 and 1569) up to 70% of animals are protected.

Example 6

Potent HCV-Specific Type 1 Cellular Responses are Induced by the Combined Injection of Five Different HCV-Derived Peptides, the Antimicrobial Peptide KLK and the Synthetic Oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)₁₃.

-   Mice HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice (HHD.1) -   Peptides The peptides p83, p84, p87, p89, p1426 were used for     vaccination.     -   p83: HCV-derived peptide,         -   (KFPGGGQIVGGVYLLPRRGPRL)(SEQ ID NO:13)     -   p84: HCV-derived peptide,         -   (GYKVLVLNPSVAAT) (SEQ ID NO:14)     -   p87: HCV-derived peptide,         -   (DLMGYIPAV) (SEQ ID NO:15)     -   p89: HCV-derived peptide,         -   (CINGVCWTV) (SEQ ID NO:16)     -   p1426: HCV-derived peptide,         -   HMWNFISGIQYLAGLSTLPGNPA) (SEQ ID NO:17)     -   (p1274 used for restimulation as irrelevant peptide     -   (YMDGTMSQV; HLA-A*0201 restricted) (SEQ ID NO:18) -    All peptides were synthesized by standard solid phase F-moc     synthesis, HPLC purified and analyzed by mass spectroscopy for     purity.     -   dose: 20 μg per peptide/mouse -   KLK KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH (SEQ ID NO:6) was synthesized by MPS (Multiple     Peptide System, USA)     -   dose: 10 nmol/mouse -   oligo-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a)ODN 5′ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC IC3′     (SEQ ID NO:7) was synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids Technology,     Göttingen     -   dose: 0.4 nmol/mouse -   Formulation 10 mM Tris/135 mM NaCl; pH ˜7 -   Experimental setup (5 mice/group):     -   1. HCV peptides     -   2. HCV peptides+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃

On days 0, 14 and 28 HHD.1 mice were injected s.c. into both hind footpads with a total volume of 100 μl/mouse (50 μl/footpad) containing the above listed compounds. At day 35 (7 days after last vaccination) CD4⁺ as well as CD8⁺ T cells were isolated by magnetic separation (MACS, Miltenyi) from single cell suspensions of spleen cells. T cells were incubated with medium (background control) or were restimulated with irradiated spleen cells from naïve HHD.1 mice as APC in the presence of either the different peptides used for vaccination or the irrelevant peptide p1274. After overnight incubation, the IFN-γ production was analyzed using an ELIspot assay.

FIG. 6 shows that upon co-injection of the five HCV-derived peptides with KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ high amounts of IFN-□ produced by CD4⁺ T cells against p84, p87, p89, p1426 were induced. Furthermore, a strong IFN-γ production by CD8⁺ T cells against p87, p89 was detectable.

Example 7

Cationic Peptides (pR or KLK) Co-Injected with Different Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) (CpI, ntCpI, o-d(IC)₁₃) Synergistically Induce Strong type 1 Cellular Responses (IFN-γ) Against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

-   Mice C57BL/6 (Harlan-Winkelmann, Germany); low responder mice for     HbsAg-specific immune responses -   Antigen Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)     -   dose: 5 μg/mouse     -   Al(OH)₃ Alhydrogel; Biosys, Denmark     -   dose: 1:1 mixture with antigen -   pR Poly-L-Arginine with an average degree of polymerization of 43     arginine residues (determined by MALLS); Sigma Aldrich Inc     -   dose: 10 μg/mouse -   KLK KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH (SEQ ID NO:6) was synthesized by MPS (Multiple     Peptide System, USA)     -   dose: 168 μg/mouse -   I-ODN 2 (=CpI 2) thiophosphate substituted ODNs containing     deoxyinosines: 5′tcc atg aci ttc ctg atg ct 3′ (SEQ ID NO:19) were     synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids Technology, Göttingen     -   dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   I-ODN 2b (=CpI 2b) ODNs containing deoxyinosines: 5′tcc atg aci ttc     ctg atg ct 3′ (SEQ ID NO:19) were synthesized by Purimex Nucleic     Acids Technology, Göttingen     -   dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   o-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a) ODN 5′ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC IC3′ (SEQ     ID NO:7) was synthesized by Purimex Nucleic Acids Technology,     Göttingen     -   dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   Formulation 5 mM Tris/270 mM Sorbitol, pH7 -   Experimental setup (5 mice/group/timepoint):     -   1. HBsAg     -   2. HBsAg+Alum     -   3. HBsAg+I-ODN 2     -   4. HBsAg+I-ODN 2b     -   5. HBsAg+o-d(IC)₁₃     -   6. HBsAg+pR     -   7. HBsAg+KLK     -   8. HBsAg+pR+I-ODN 2     -   9. HBsAg+pR+I-ODN 2b     -   10. HBsAg+pR+o-d(IC)₁₃     -   11. HBsAg+KLK+I-ODN 2     -   12. HBsAg+KLK+I-ODN 2b     -   13. HBsAg+KLK+o-d(IC)₁₃

On day 0 and day 56 mice were injected subcutaneously into the right flank with a total volume of 100 μl/mouse containing the above mentioned compounds. The analysis of the immune response was performed at day 7, day 21 and day 50 after first and second injection, respectively. Spleen cells of five mice per group per time point were restimulated ex vivo with 10 μg/ml HBsAg and ELIspot assays were performed in order to analyse the HBsAg-specific IFN-γ (type 1 immune response) as well as IL-4 (type 2 immune response) production.

Results (FIG. 7)

HBsAg injected alone or in combination with Alum induces no or only very low levels of IFN-γ whereas upon injection of HBsAg combined with pR/ODN or KLK/ODN an HBsAg-specific IFN-γ production is induced which can be further increased by booster vaccination. Slightly increased IL-4 production compared to injection of HBsAg alone is observable upon co-injection of Alum, pR and KLK after boost, as well upon co-injection of KLK/ODN combinations.

Example 8

Single injection of the combination of the cationic antimicrobial peptide KLK with the synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)13 (ODN1a) and low amounts of a commercially available influenza vaccine (Agrippal S1) synergistically induces strong vaccine specific cellular type I immune responses

-   Materials -   Mice BALB/c (Harlan-Winkelmann, Germany) -   Influenza vaccine Agrippal S1 (Chiron SpA, Italy; vaccination season     2003/2004); lot 035105, expiry date June 2004 -    Inactivated influenza virus antigens (haemagglutinin and     neuraminidase) purified of strains:     -   A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain (A/New Caledonia/20/99         IVR-116)     -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain         -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR 17)     -   B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like strain         -   (B/Shangdong/7/97)         -   Total antigen content: 45 μg         -   haemagglutinin (15 μg for each viral strain)     -   Dose: 9 μg total protein/mouse (used directly from pre-filled         syringe) 0.1 μg total protein/mouse -   o-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a) phosphodiester substituted ODN containing 13     deoxy (-inosine, -cytosine) motifs (ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC     IC-SEQ ID NO:7); synthesized by Transgenomics; Part number:     102A03001N     -   Dose:         -   4 nmol/mouse         -   1.4 nmol/mouse         -   0.4 nmol/mouse -   KLK synthetic cationic poly-amino acid containing lysine and leucine     (KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH) (SEQ ID NO:6); synthesized by Bachem AG     -   Lot: 0562101;     -   Dose:         -   100 nmol/mouse         -   35 nmol/mouse         -   10 nmol/mouse -   Formulation by the Pharmaceutical Development Department at     Intercell; 10 mM Tris/135 mM NaCl pH 7.5 -   Experimental Setup (10 mice/group)     -   1. naïve     -   2. 9 μg Agrippal S1     -   3. 0.1 μg Agrippal S1     -   4. 0.1 μg Agrippal S1+100 nmol KLK+4 nmol ODN1a     -   5. 0.1 μg Agrippal S1+35 nmol KLK+1.4 nmol ODN1a     -   6. 0.1 μg Agrippal S1+10 nmol KLK+0.4 nmol ODN1a

On day 0, BALB/c mice were injected intramusculary into both femoral muscles with a total amount of 100 μl vaccine/mouse (50 μl/muscle) containing the above listed compounds. On day 21, serum was collected and analyzed for influenza vaccine-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies by ELISA. Titers correspond to the dilution of serum resulting in half maximal OD404_(nm). Furthermore, spleens of each experimental group were pooled and single cell suspensions were prepared. An aliquot of splenocytes was separated into CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells by magnetic sorting (CD4 and CD8 MACS sort, Miltenyi). Either unseparated splenocytes or separated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in combination with irradiated antigen-presenting cells (APC; derived from naïve mice) were stimulated in 96-well ELIspot plates in order to enumerate the number of Agrippal S1 antigen-specific cytokine-producing cells for each experimental group. The production of following cytokines was analyzed:

-   -   IFN-γ (as an indicator for a cellular type 1 response),     -   IL-4 and IL-5 (as indicators for a cellular type 2 response)         Results (FIG. 8 a)

Vaccination of mice with 9 μg and 0.1 μg Agrippal S1 alone was not able to induce vaccine-specific IFN-γ by CD4⁺ splenocytes, whereas upon injection of Agrippal S1 in combination with different concentrations of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ a strong IFN-γ production by CD4⁺ splenocytes was observed. However, CD8⁺ splenocytes were not able to induce IFN-γ. Compared to naïve mice, Agrippal S1 alone only slightly induced the production of IL-4 by unseparated and CD4⁺ splenocytes and the addition of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ to the vaccine showed no further increase. However, Agrippal S1 induced IL-5 was totally abolished upon co-injection of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃. Upon restimulation of unseparated splenocytes similar results are obtained.

Results (FIG. 8 b)

As illustrated in FIG. 8 b, the combined injection of low amounts of the non-adjuvanted influenza vaccine with different concentrations of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ induced very potent vaccine (Agrippal S1)-specific IgG2a (humoral type 1 immune response) and higher levels of IgG1 than low amounts of Agrippal S1 alone. However, the high dose of Agrippal S1 showed the highest titers of vaccine-specific IgG1 antibodies. Since protection against influenza is correlated with the presence of vaccine antigen-specific IgG2a antibodies, the obtained results indicate a high potential of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ as a potent adjuvant for influenza vaccines.

Example 9

Single injection of low dose of the combination of the cationic antimicrobial peptide KLK with the synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)13 (ODN1a) synergistically induces strong vaccine specific cellular type I immune responses against a commercially available influenza vaccine (Agrippal S1)

Materials

-   Mice BALB/c (Harlan-Winkelmann, Germany) -   Influenza vaccine Agrippal S1 (Chiron SpA, Italy; vaccination season     2003/2004); lot 035105, expiry date June 2004 Inactivated influenza     virus antigens (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) purified of     strains:     -   A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain (A/New Caledonia/20/99         IVR-116)     -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain         -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR 17)     -   B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like strain         -   (B/Shangdong/7/97)         -   Total antigen content: 45 μg         -   haemagglutinin (15 μg for each viral strain)     -   Dose: 9 μg total protein/mouse (used directly from pre-filled         syringe) 1 μg total protein/mouse -   o-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a) phosphodiester substituted ODN containing 13     deoxy (-inosine, -cytosine) motifs (ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC     IC) (SEQ ID NO:7); synthesized by Transgenomics; Part number:     102A03001N     -   Dose:         -   0.4 nmol/mouse         -   0.2 nmol/mouse         -   0.04 nmol/mouse -   KLK synthetic cationic poly-amino acid containing lysine and leucine     (KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH) (SEQ ID NO:6); synthesized by Bachem AG     -   Lot: 0562101;     -   Dose:         -   10 nmol/mouse         -   5 nmol/mouse         -   1 nmol/mouse -   Formulation by the Pharmaceutical Development Department at     Intercell; 10 mM Tris/135 mM NaCl pH 7.5 -   Experimental Setup (5 mice/group)     -   1. naïve     -   2. 9 μg Agrippal S1     -   3. 1 μg Agrippal S1     -   4. 1 μg Agrippal S1+10 nmol KLK+0.4 nmol ODN1a     -   5. 1 μg Agrippal S1+5 nmol KLK+0.2 nmol ODN1a     -   6. 1 μg Agrippal S1+1 nmol KLK+0.04 nmol ODN1a

On day 0, BALB/c mice were injected intramusculary into both femoral muscles with a total amount of 100 μl vaccine/mouse (50 μl/muscle) containing the above listed compounds. On day 21, serum was collected and analyzed for influenza vaccine-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies by ELISA. Titers correspond to the dilution of serum resulting in half maximal OD405_(nm). Furthermore, spleens of each experimental group were pooled and single cell suspensions were prepared. Splenocytes were stimulated in 96-well ELIspot plates in order to enumerate the number of Agrippal S1 antigen-specific cytokine-producing cells for each experimental group. The production of following cytokines was analyzed:

-   -   IFN-γ (as an indicator for a cellular type 1 response),     -   IL-4 and IL-5 (as indicators for a cellular type 2 response)         Results (FIG. 9 a)

Vaccination of mice with 9 μg and 1 μg Agrippal S1 alone was again (see also FIG. 8 a) not able to induce vaccine-specific IFN-γ by murine splenocytes, whereas upon injection of Agrippal S1 in combination with different low concentrations of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ a strong IFN-γ production was observed. Compared to naïve mice, Agrippal S1 alone only slightly induced the production of IL-4 by murine splenocytes and the addition of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ to the vaccine had no effect. Agrippal S1 induced IL-5 was abolished upon co-injection of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ in a concentration dependent manner. Even at a very low dosage, the combination of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ induces a strong cellular type I immune responses.

Results (FIG. 9 b)

The combined injection of low amounts of the non-adjuvanted influenza vaccine with different concentrations of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ induced very potent vaccine (Agrippal S1)-specific IgG2a (humoral type 1 immune response) and levels of IgG1 roughly comparable to low amounts of Agrippal S1 alone. However, the high dose of Agrippal S1 alone showed slightly increased titers of vaccine-specific IgG1 antibodies and comparable levels of IgG2a antibodies compared to co-injection of Agrippal S1 and the lowest concentration of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃. Since protection against influenza is correlated with the presence of vaccine antigen-specific IgG2a antibodies, the obtained results indicate a high potential of KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃, even at a very low dosage, as a potent adjuvant for influenza vaccines.

Example 10

Single Injection of a Commercially Available Influenza Vaccine (Agrippal S1) Combined with the Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide KLK and the Synthetic Oligodeoxynucleotide o-d(IC)₁₃ (ODN1a) in Comparison to Other Adjuvants

Materials

-   Mice BALB/c (Harlan-Winkelmann, Germany) -   Influenza vaccines Agrippal     -   S1 (Chiron SpA, Italy; vaccination season 2003/2004); lot         035105, expiry date June 2004 and     -   Fluad (Chiron SpA, Italy; vaccination season 2003/2004); lot         4003, expiry date May 2004; Addition of MF59C.1 as adjuvant     -   Both vaccines contain inactivated influenza virus antigens         (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) purified of strains:         -   A/New Caledonia/20/99 (HlN1)-like strain (A/New             Caledonia/20/99 IVR-116)         -   A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like strain             -   (A/Panama/2007/99 RESVIR 17)         -   B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like strain             -   (B/Shangdong/7/97)             -   Total antigen content: 45 μg             -   haemagglutinin (15 μg for each viral strain)     -   Dose: 9 μg total protein/mouse (used directly from pre-filled         syringe) 1 μg total protein/mouse -   o-d(IC)₁₃ (=ODN1a) phosphodiester substituted ODN containing 13     deoxy (-inosine, -cytosine) motifs (ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC ICI CIC     IC) (SEQ ID NO:7); synthesized by Transgenomics; Part number:     I02A03001N     -   Dose: 0.4 nmol/mouse -   KLK synthetic cationic poly-amino acid containing lysine and leucine     (KLKLLLLLKLK—COOH) (SEQ ID NO:6); synthesized by Bachem AG     -   Lot: 0562101;     -   Dose:         -   100 nmol/mouse         -   10 nmol/mouse -   CpG1668 Thiophosphate-substituted ODN containing CpG motifs (5′-tcc     atg acg ttc ctg atg ct-3′-SEQ ID NO:20); synthesized by Purimex     Nucleic Acids Technology, Göttingen; lot. 020614     -   Dose: 5 nmol/mouse -   Alum Al (OH)₃ [15 g/l]; provided by Chiron Behring, Germany     -   Dose: 1:1 mixture with antigen -   pR Poly-L-Arginine with an average degree of polymerization of 43     arginine residues (determined by MALLS); provided by Sigma; lot     50K7280;     -   Dose: 10 μg/mouse -   IFA Incomplete Freud's Adjuvant; provided by Difco Lab.; lot.     2158430     -   Dose: 1:1 mixture with antigen -   CFA Complete Freud's Adjuvant; provided by Difco Lab.; lot. 3126639     -   Dose: 1:1 mixture with antigen -   Formulation by the Pharmaceutical Development Department at     Intercell; 10 mM Tris/135 mM NaCl pH 7.5 -   Experimental Setup (5 mice/group)     -   1. naïve     -   2. 9 μg Fluad     -   3. 9 μg Agrippal S1     -   4. 1 μg Agrippal S1     -   5. 1 μg Agrippal S1+10 nmol KLK+0.4 nmol ODN1a     -   6. 1 μg Agrippal S1+5 nmol CpG1668     -   7. 1 μg Agrippal S1+100 μg pR43     -   8. 1 μg Agrippal S1+100 nmol KLK     -   9. 1 μg Agrippal S1+Alum     -   10. 1 μg Agrippal S1+CFA     -   11. 1 μg Agrippal S1+IFA

On day 0, BALB/c mice were injected intramusculary into both femoral muscles with a total amount of 100 μl vaccine/mouse (50 μl/muscle) containing the above listed compounds. On day 21, spleens of each experimental group were pooled and single cell suspensions were prepared. Splenocytes were stimulated in 96-well ELIspot plates in order to enumerate the number of Agrippal S1 antigen-specific cytokine-producing cells for each experimental group. The production of following cytokines was analyzed:

-   -   IFN-γ (as an indicator for a cellular type 1 response),     -   IL-4 and IL-5 (as indicators for a cellular type 2 response)         Results (FIG. 10)

The combined injection of low amounts of the non-adjuvanted influenza vaccine with low doses KLK/o-d(IC)₁₃ induced higher levels vaccine (Agrippal S1)-specific IFN-γ by murine splenocytes compared to immunization with Agrippal S1 and Fluad alone. Comparable amounts of IFN-γ were only achieved upon vaccination with CFA, all other experimental groups showed roughly no (pR43, Alum, IFA) or a slightly increased (CpG1668, KLK) IFN-γ production by murine splenocytes compared to Agrippal S1 alone. In comparison to naïve mice, only Fluad markedly induced the production of IL-4 by murine splenocytes whereas all other experimental groups nearly showed the same low levels of IL-4. Vaccine antigen specific IL-5 was detectable at very high levels upon vaccination of mice with Fluad and at moderate levels upon injection of Agrippal S1 alone or in combination with KLK. Co-injection of Agrippal S1 with pR, Alum or IFA only slightly increased levels of IL-5, whereas all other groups showed a reduction in IL-5 production. 

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A vaccine for preventing viral infections comprising: an antigen; a peptide (Peptide A) comprising a sequence R₁—XZXZ_(N)XZX—R₂, whereby N is a whole number between 3 and 7, X is a positively charged natural and/or non-natural amino acid residue, Z is an amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of L, V, I, F and/or W, and R₁ and R₂ are independently —H, —NH₂, —COCH₃, —COH, a peptide with up to 20 amino acid residues or a peptide reactive group or a peptide linker with or without a peptide; X—R₂ is an amide, ester or thioester of the C-terminal amino acid residue of the peptide; and an immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleic acid molecule (I-/U-ODN) having the structure according to the formula (I):

wherein: R1 is selected from hypoxanthine and uracile; any X is O or S; any NMP is a 2′ deoxynucleoside monophosphate or monothiophosphate, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, 6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine-monophosphate or -monothiophosphate; NUC is a 2′ deoxynucleoside, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyuridine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, 6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine; a and b are integers from 0 to 100 with the proviso that a+b is between 4 and 150; and B and E are common groups for 5′ or 3′ ends of nucleic acid molecules.
 14. The vaccine of claim 13, wherein N is
 5. 15. The vaccine of claim 13, further comprising an Al(OH)₃ adjuvant.
 16. The vaccine of claim 13, wherein the antigen is a viral antigen.
 17. The vaccine of claim 16, wherein the viral antigen is an influenza virus antigen, HCV antigen, HBV antigen, HIV antigen, HPV antigen, JEV antigen, a combined antigen, or a combination of one or more of these antigens.
 18. The vaccine of claim 18, wherein the viral antigen is an influenza antigen further defined as a haemagglutinin antigen or a neuraminidase antigen.
 19. The vaccine of claim 13, further comprising a polycationic peptide.
 20. The vaccine of claim 13, wherein Peptide A is KLKL₅KLK and the I-/U-ODN is oligo d(IC)₁₃.
 21. The vaccine of claim 13, further comprising an oligodeoxynucleotide containing a CpG-motif.
 22. The vaccine of claim 13, further comprising a polycationic peptide and an oligodeoxynucleotide containing a CpG-motif.
 23. A method of improving protective efficacy of a vaccine against a viral infection comprising: obtaining Peptide A and an I-/U-ODN of claim 13; and administering Peptide A and the I-/U-ODN with a vaccine against a viral infection to a subject; wherein efficacy of the vaccine against viral infection is improved in the subject.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the vaccine is a vaccine against infection with influenza virus, HBV, HCV, HPV, HIV or JEV.
 25. A method of improving a antigen-specific type 1 response of a vaccine against a viral infection and preserving or increasing a type 2 response of said vaccine comprising: obtaining Peptide A and an I-/U-ODN of claim 13; and administering Peptide A and the I-/U-ODN with a vaccine against a viral infection to a subject; wherein the antigen-specific type 1 response to the vaccine against a viral infection is improved in the subject and the type 2 response to the vaccine is preserved or increased in the subject.
 26. The method of claim 25, where in the antigen-specific type 1 response is further defined as an IgG2-antibody response or IFN-gamma response.
 27. The method of claim 25, where in the type 2 response is further defined as an IgG1-antibody response or interleukin 4 (IL 4) response.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the vaccine is a vaccine against infection with influenza virus, HBV, HCV, HPV, HIV or JEV. 